Intrapersonal Learning Style

What Are the Intrapersonal Learner’s Characteristics?

An intrapersonal learner is exactly the opposite of a social learner who prefers to work in groups. Common characteristics of a solitary-intrapersonal learner include:

• Keeps a journal or diary
• Enjoys spending time alone
• Struggles in large crowds and noisy rooms
• Likes to set goals and make plans
• Struggles in opening up to others
• Excellent self-management skills
• Has a strong sense of self
• Highly independent

Study Tips for Intrapersonal Learners

It is important to note that being a solitary learner is a secondary learning style; the primary learning styles are visual, verbal, kinesthetic, auditory, and logical. Make sure to check these other learning styles out to help determine what your student’s primary learning style is. Solitary learners typically socialize with those who share their same primary learning style.

The key to success for solitary-intrapersonal learners is plenty of space and silence. These students love to work on their own and concentrate best when in a quiet, peaceful environment. It’s important to check in with these learners on a regular basis however, since they may find it difficult to ask for help. If you find that your student is struggling, approach them gently and ask if there is anything they need assistance with. Below are some study tips for intrapersonal learners.

• Encourage your student to keep a journal or diary.  It will act as a safe space for your child to express his or her thoughts and emotions, both academically and personally.
• It is important to give these learners their space so you can develop their trust. Building this trust is important and allows your child to express any issues or struggles they may be having.
• Align your student’s learning goals with their personal interests and beliefs. This will motivate your child and increase their confidence.
• Try to plan out lessons around their personal interests. For example, if your child is fascinated with aviation, you can ask them to create a timeline on the history of aviation or put together a list of important figures in the field, among other activities.
• Field trips out in nature also work well to engage solitary/intrapersonal learners. These learners will enjoy the opportunity to explore on their own, and will gather questions and observations about the world around them on their own.
• To expose your child to more social opportunities, start small; ask questions about what he or she may be reflecting on. You can also introduce projects with both individual and group elements to practice these skills.
• Make sure to have a wide assortment of books, websites, and videos for your child to access. Since solitary learners are highly independent, it is easy for them to find subjects they are passionate about, so don’t limit your child when it comes to topics.
• Make sure that solitary learners have a quiet place to go to when they are working or just want time alone. This may be in their bedroom, a study room in the house, or perhaps at the library. Whichever place your student wishes to use, make sure that he or she can personalize it.
• Use lists and check items as they are completed. Solitary learners enjoy taking advantage of this when studying as it helps them to stay motivated as they complete tasks.
• Deepen understanding of study materials by tying lessons to familiar topics. By establishing connections between personal experiences and lessons, you can motivate your learner to stay engaged.

How Time4Learning Works for Intrapersonal Learners

Online curricula tends to work well with the intrapersonal learning style. The mobility and flexibility it provides allows solitary learners to work independently and in their preferred space.

Time4Learning is an online homeschool curriculum that presents every subject in a multimedia format that is highly interactive and engaging. Below are just a few reasons why parents of intrapersonal learners consistently choose Time4Learning as their primary curriculum:

• The online interface allows solitary learners to work on their own without having to consult an instructor or teacher.
• We offer plenty of opportunities for students to think about what they have learned by asking questions that promote reflection.
• Our curriculum is goal-oriented and allows students and parents to easily track progress. Students will find it easy to see what they must do to meet their goals.
• We offer printable worksheets and unit study supplements which provide great reading and learning material that can be completed at a student’s own pace.
• Students have the ability to revisit assignments if they did not understand the material the first time around.
• Students can access more than one grade level in any subject so they can move on whenever they feel ready.

Sign up for Time4Learning and gain access to a variety of educational materials that will engage and challenge your child to succeed. Make Time4Learning a part of your educational resource toolbox for teaching your unique, solitary-intrapersonal learner.

Additional Information on Learning Styles

• Types of Learning Styles
• Auditory Learning
• Kinesthetic Learning
• Logical Learning
• Social Learning
• Solitary Learning
• Verbal Learning
• Visual Learning